Is this movie about Max, or is it about Elizabeth, or is it about Lena? I suppose it is about each of them, almost equally, but not really in a "love triangle" kind of way, although it seems headed in that direction at times, in this comedy set in New York.James LeGros is Max, wants to be a writer but works as a projectionist in an obscure theater showing old B&W movies. Max is mixed up, he has a good heart, but is pretty focused on himself. He rescues a dog being abused, steals it away and finds a vet clinic, and is chased down and beaten by the owner, now angry at Max. But some good fortune does come his way, as Jennifer Beals playing Elizabeth works at the clinic and admires what Max did. They meet, date, and soon are living together. Elizabeth eventually brings up the "M-word" but Max hesitates. Elizabeth is disappointed.Meanwhile Drew Barrymore as Lena, who sells tickets at the B&W theater has her eye on Max for herself. Lena isn't so scrupulous, she is willing to force the issue, even if it entails making up stories to drive a wedge in there and pry Max loose for herself.Today we know him mainly for his TV show, but Jon Stewart has a key role as Henry, someone who comes along when Elizabeth is turning sour at Max's selfishness then jealousy, constantly asking her if she is starting to see others. Henry has a fresh perspective, he knows how to live and laugh and have fun, things Max seems to have lost. So, while Max thinks Eric Thal as Jack is the guy Elizabeth has her eye on, and Lena is helping that perception along, Henry really is the one sneaking in and gaining Elizabeth's favor. But in the end, Lena and Max seem pretty good for each other, both flawed but in ways that they both can relate to.Saw it via Netflix streaming movies, my wife and I were entertained, although it is not a great movie.

This is a cute, quirky little film, that has some pretty darned good acting performances in it. Drew Barrymore was good, and beautiful, as was Jennifer Beals. I wasn't very familiar with James LeGros, but he almost stole the show. Excellent characterization of "Max". I have to say that I did enjoy the basic device of the film, the use of different point of view characters, but the director eventually got too cutesy and that did detract from the movie. Grade: B-

WISHFUL THINKING is one of those wonderful, off-beat and soover-looked little films that, when finally discovered, delivers areally good watch.Told in four parts, each one not so much the point-of-view of acertain character, more the focus on that person, this lightly- complicated little comic-romance unfolds beautifully. Max (JamesLeGros) is an imaginative character; he invents ginger-flavouredtoothpicks and hears inanimate objects talking to him, but alsohas a dangerous distrust of his girlfriend, Elizabeth (JenniferBeals), who may or may not have given him good reason for hisgrowing suspicions, since he's made it apparent that he doesn't seem to want to 'cement' their relationship with a proposal. Lena(Drew Barrymore), is his colourful yet conniving co-worker,somewhat enamoured of Max, and with a penchant for seekingadvice from a local tarot card reader. Max (Jon Stewart) is thefriend-of-a -friend who will somehow non-maliciously intertwinehimself into the lives of this great little set of quirky characters.Richly told and visualized (very nice colour and B&W cinematography and some interesting shots), nice pacing, andwith a compelling enough plot to garner my interest the whole waythrough. The film isn't a "laugh riot" by any means, and as far asromance goes, I wouldn't want mine to unfold like those describedhere, but it was still enough to keep me chuckling and hoping forthe best for all the characters. The most truly delicious element ofthis film is in the acting though, to be sure. James LeGros (who Iwas completely unfamiliar with) is both engaging and realistic,someone I'll look for in other films. Drew Barrymore is nicelysubdued, despite the mess her character could have been (andwhat I'd expected from her based on previous work). Jon Stewartis good as always, turning in both ample laughs and a seriousside he deserves acknowledgement for. But the stand-outperformance comes from the hugely under-appreciated JenniferBeals; I don't want to say she steals this picture, because she hasthe professionalism to keep her portrayal on par with the rest ofthe cast, but she definitely gives the most even, realistic andhonest performance in the film; her every word and gesture is a giftof honesty in character.It seems sad to me that (at the time of this writing) director AdamPark has not made another film, or that the film does not seem tobe too well liked. It truly is a nice piece, and a understated use ofsome real talent. 7/10. Just good stuff!

I saw this movie without anyone telling me about it or reading anything about it. It was much better than I expected. I thought it might be just another "chick flick" with a predictable story and ending. But it turned out to be a movie with a plot that is different and definitely entertaining. Lots of nice twists and surprises...especially how it ends. I don't remember seeing a movie before quite like this one. I would highly recommend it.